Events & festivals in Normandy in April

The Normandy-Quebec connection.

What does Normandy have in common with the history of Quebec?

Extensive waves of immigrants in the 17th century for one thing, but another connecting point exists, much closer to our time. The Second World War was an opportunity for these children of France to return to defend their motherland…

This is why the Juno Beach Centre is organising a temporary exhibition this year to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Quebec. The thematic aim of the event is to shed light on the common history that Normandy and Quebec share - it is an homage to the soldiers of Normand origin among the troops who were there on D-Day, who fought the Battle of Normandy with Canadian forces.

The title is a fitting, poetic reference to the relation these soldiers had to the motherland - Partis, revenus...

Down in the crushing depths where man has no place…

A new attraction is available for visitors of the Cité de la Mer. From February 2nd, you can enjoy this fantastic experience thanks to cutting-edge 3D-animation and simulator technology: discover the abyss from the point of view of a submarine surrounded by deep-sea creatures!

From there you can enjoy an hour-long virtual tour… Open your eyes and admire the riches of Neptune's Kingdom!

From swing to rhythm and blues…

From swing to rhythm and blues and even some choreographed street dance…the best music and the best dancers find their place in a succession of different sets presenting acrobatics, vocals, magic and dance.

To bring out the very best response in the audience, the troop of artists and magicians pull out all the stops: virtuosity, energy, seduction, glamour, etc.

This is a review that is suitable for families, offering everyone an evening of spectacular entertainment.

Gold from the needlepoint…

This part of the exhibition will be dedicated to the golden age of French silk production, the grandiose era when French silk was favoured over Italian, and when embroidery as an art form leaped to new heights.

Experience the lavish fabrics, the vibrant colours and revolutionary production techniques. For the occasion, a complete embroidered ornament will be displayed and a new hall will be opened to increase the display space.

Jaws: a nefarious myth debunked.

With Rob Stewart's recent film production, Sharkwater, there has been a revival of the public interest in these fascinating creatures. The Channel General Council has thus put together this latest exhibition, Du mégalodon à la roussette, requins de nos côtes , at the Maritime museum in Tatihou.

To the average member of the public, sharks are bad news… Yet, far from this common misconception, the exhibition attempts to shine a more positive light on a creature that has gone from prehistoric predator to being the prey of modern humans.

Feel the fiber of their fabric.

The Maison de l'Ange and adjoining park will be completing their 2008 summer cloth display with a number of 19th century textiles. Of the 6 000 pieces that make up the entire collection, only the most interesting have been put on display (those with known background, specific origin and date of production…).

There will be no flourish or flamboyance, only open drawers and closets, the secret rooms made public, and temporary installations that give the visitor an opportunity to admire the intricate detail of each item.

The thrill of the deep.

La Cité de la Mer, which opened on 29 April 2002, is a vast scientific, cultural and fun centre devoted to the immense riches of the oceans and oceanographic exploration.
Exceeding all expectations, the Cité welcomed its millionth visitor in July 2005.!
Encouraged by these visitor numbers, the Cité de la Mer is now launching a second extension phase.
The origins of the Cité de la Mer, which enjoys an enviable situation in the former Cherbourg trans-Atlantic passenger docks, were twofold: to revive an Art Deco masterpiece, the former trans-Atlantic passenger terminal, and to make the nuclear submarine Le Redoutable the biggest submarine open to the public in the world. Those aims have been achieved.
The gradual descent into the abyss, during a three-hour journey into a fault in the ocean floor, is organised according to two major themes:
The Submarine, with an introduction to the Redoutable, the biggest submarine open to the public anywhere in the world.
For 45 minutes, the voice of the Captain explains how a nuclear submarine works and what life onboard is like for its crew.

The Ocean, which concentrates on exploring and using the rich resources of the ocean, and which centres around one of the deepest aquariums in Europe (10.70m) containing over 3,500 fish.

An architectural monument.

Built in 1631 to plans drawn up by architect François Mansart, the Château de Balleroy is part of one of the first town-planning schemes ever executed in France, and that was to inspire Versailles.
In 1975, the first Balloon Museum was founded by Malcolm S. Forbes in one of the former stable buildings.
The 17th century dovecote and the grounds are also not to be missed.

In honour of a great man.

It is in the splendid Renaissance "Logis du Gouverneur" (late 15th century), just 100 metres from the Sous-Prefecture that became the seat of the first authorities to assume control of a newly-liberated France in 1944, that a record is kept of the five key encounters between General de Gaulle and Bayeux.
Two of these encounters have left their mark on French history: 14 June 1944 and 16 June 1946. The five encounters are recalled in a collection of numerous archive documents, both printed and photographic, in film footage from the period and of objects that once belonged to the General.

Changing over the centuries.

Attractive in its austerity, the castle of Carrouges is a distillation of history from the 14th to the 20th century. Initially a fortress that came under siege by the Plantagenets, it was rebuilt during the Hundred Years War (keep), extended in the 15th century (Blosset wing), ornamented during the Renaissance (Cardinal Le Veneur's pavilion) and fortified yet again during the Wars of Religion (western bastion). In the 16th century, it became a magnificent residence (suite of spacious apartments) and was redesigned under the Enlightenment (music room).
The former canonry, founded by Louis XI, is now the headquarters for the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine.

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

A giant preserved.

The Château de Fontaine-Henry is perched high over the rich green valley of the Mue.
Its dizzyingly high roofs top a richly sculpted building in the 15th and 16th century styles.
Follow the guide around the interior of the chateau and admire an outstanding collection of furniture and old masters. Children will enjoy the special activities laid on for them in the grounds, and the old-fashioned toys and games.

Learn the professional driver's touch.

A stable of 90 performance cars, rotated regularly, takes you roaring along the track and roads running through 90 hectares of exceptional settings as you discover the thrill of driving.
Daily and by appointment for groups and individuals, get in training for one of five activities:
Grand Prix go-karting: steer your 270cm3 sports kart round the 800-metres FFSA-aproved track;
25€ per half-hour and per person (includes initial briefing, time trials and race, minimum age: 14) ;
Quad biking on 15km of off-road tracks and paths;
25€ per half-hour and per person, minimum age: 6;
Driving a Lotus Super 7 (115 CV, 520 kg);
80€ per half-hour and per car, driving licence required;
Driving a Lotus Elise (130 CV) or Spider Renault Sport (150 CV) for an introduction to race drivng on a 2km race-track;
95€ per half-hour and per car, permanent radio contact with the instructor, personalised comments, driving licence required;
In association with Renault Sport, take the wheel of the Mégane RS, Clio RS or Clio V6;
100€ per 1/2 hour per car, 40€ for an introductory drive in a Clio V6.

Label Orne Terroir.

Buildings new and old on the edge of the Forêt d'Ecouves, with free-range birds roaming in green fields.
On sale, per kilo:
Chicken: 6.10€
Duckling: 7€
Guinea fowl: 7.10€
Turkey: 7.62€
Duck: 6.40€
Capon: 13.10€

A natural habitat to be protected.

Les Petits Riaux lies within the Ecouves forest, in the commune of Lande-de-Goult, and is a typical example of the peat-bogs of the Massif Armoricain.
These rare habitats are home to a distinctive range of plants capable of adapting to the harsh prevailing conditions.
Guided tours are available through the Park or the Conseil Général de l'Orne.
Group visits can be organised on request (for predetermined groups).
Plants of particular interest include drosera (sundew), butterworts (small carnivorous plants), sphagnum mosses forming thick, spongy carpets, or the bog asphodel (Narthecium Ossifragum).

In the hamlet of Goult, explore "Caesar's camp" (a Neolithic settlement) and the Priory of Saint-Michel de Goult (12th century porch).

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

In the course of your visit, you will learn all about the history of the building of the artificial Mulberry harbour that was the key to the success of the Battle of Normandy.
The museum also presents the various phases of the Allied landings, from the design of the artificial harbour known as Port Winston to the liberation of the coast (mechanical models, diorama, video, etc.), plus screenings of British Admiralty archive film footage of the construction and operation of the Mulberry harbours.

A selection of treasures of sacred art.

The museum displays a selection of masterpieces of sacred art: paintings, sculptures, gold and silver work, cabinet-making, liturgical ornaments from the Middle Ages down to the present day.
These include the ivory liturgical comb of Saint Thomas à Becket, reliquaries from the abbey of Saint-Evroult, the Carrouges chasuble.

The Longest Day.

A short distance from the beaches of the Normandy Landings, the Battle of Normandy memorial museum in Bayeux, the first town to be liberated on the morning of 7 June 1944, presents a unique and exhaustive picture of the fighting that took place on Norman soil between 7 June and 29 August 1944.
The museum displays were updated in 2006 and now alternate a classic historical account with themed sections, a new 25-minute archive film and presentations of Second World War equipment and uniforms illustrating the historical account. The new presentation gives a better understanding of the enormous war effort made in the course of this battle to win back freedom in Europe.

A place of Marian worship.

Funded by subscription, the first stone of the basilica was laid on 26 March 1855, and the church was consecrated on 7 May 1872 par Monseigneur Rousselet in the presence of a vast crowd.
On stepping inside the door, the visitor is transfixed by the play of light filtering through the 48 stained glass windows, the many ex votos, the scintillating reflections of the gold in the great Holy Trinity medallion above the Virgin.

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the occasion of the Proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, the iconography of the basilica is dedicated to explaining, illustrating and glorifying this act of faith.
Special celebrations and pilgrimages are held on key dates in the Marian calendar, in the Month of Mary, and on the anniversary of the basilica's consecration.

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

Entrancing in its beauty and serenity.

It is to the Benedictine monks of the Middle Ages and the Classical period that Caen owes the majesty of its Town Hall, which occupies the former abbey of Saint-Etienne, known as the Abbaye-aux-Hommes. And, of course, to William the Conqueror who built the castle and, with his wife Matilda, founded the two abbeys that dominate the landscape.

An open history-book...

Situated in the centre of the Orne département, a stone's throw from the forest of Ecouves, Sées has been an episcopal town city since the 5th century and has managed over the centuries to retain all the charm of a small town while gradually acquiring the essential facilities of everyday life.
Any visitor who enjoys characterful towns will appreciate the simple pleasure of exploring the historic, craft and gastronomic legacy of this administrative centre of 5,000 souls living around their cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art bearing witness to a long history of some considerable interest.

To explore Sées is, above all, to open up a precious history book to be deciphered street by street, monument by monument, with an epilogue that gives pride of place to local craftsmanship.
The Tourist Office organises guided tours of the episcopal city and its cathedral, by appointment only and for groups.

The biggest forest in the département.

The forest of Ecouves, covering an area of 8,153 hectares, is managed by the French forestry commission, the Office National des Forêts, and is the largest in the département.
The ONF, which manages 27,000 hectares of state-owned forests in the Orne, is charged with preserving France's natural heritage by implemeting multi-functional management of the three main functions assigned to the national forests:
- economic activity, through the production of high quality workable wood;
- A choice of tree species and techniques appropriate to the ecological conditions (climate, soil, etc.);
- Sustainable game management;
- Recreational functions including:
- public amenity areas;
- environmental education in schools and for the general public;
- Opening of footpaths;
- An environmental function: with a programme of campaigns aimed at the conservation and/or rehabilitation of habitats and species of special heritage interest.

Producing and selling foie gras.

The farm, started by Philippe Beaudouin in 1986, is in Normandy. The setting is beautiful, at the foot of the Massif d'Ecouves, in the Normandie-Maine national park and 25 km from the administrative centre (préfecture) of Alençon.
Production, processing and sale of foie gras. The team welcomes visits from individuals and from groups of 50 to 60 people.

Discovering the Cotentin.

Where the département of the Manche meets the Calvados, on the "threshold of the Cotentin", the Parc Naturel Régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin is made up of 27,000 hectares of marshland and polders set in a landscape of traditional bocage woodland and rolling meadows (90,000 hectares). Pastureland and hay-meadows, crisscrossed by ditches and dotted with the occasional peat-bog, are the distinctive features of this wetland area that opens out onto the Baie des Veys. With the advent of the winter floods, the marsh turns "white" as the Cotentin peninsula comes into its own.
Less extensive areas of moorlands, woods and forest plus the coastline add diversity to the landscape.

A place of character.

This tiny commune surrounded by forest is a site of historic, architectural, geological and botanical interest.
When you visit, don't miss:

- the chapel of Saint-Michel, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, lies on the pilgrim routes used throughout the Middle Ages by pilgrims making their way to Mont Saint-Michel.
It suffered during the Wars of Religion and under the Revolution.

- The priory: it features an 11th century Romanesque porch, undoubtedly the finest of its kind in Normandy, six splendid capitals representing hunting scenes, and some restored frescoes.

- Neolithic settlement: the settlement has four enclosure walls looking down over the valley of the Cance.
According to local tradition, it was once a Roman military camp.
It is certainly an ancient site dating from th Bronze Age and would have served as a place of refuge, a defensive position and a look-out post.

One of the finest Gothic churches in Normandy.

The cathedral of Sées is one of the finest 13th-14th century Gothic buildings to be found in Normandy.
Its 70m high spires are visible from over 10km around.

Worth visiting:
Outside: the central and lateral portals;
Inside: the fine "Romanesque" main altar dates from the period of Louis XVI and is the work of Brousseau;
The organ is a 1743 Parisot, transformed into a Cavaillé-Coll in 1883 and restored in 1972.

Lover of authentic local foods?

The farm is organised to handle the full range of farming operations starting with 2 day-old ducklings and ending in finished products for sale at the farm or at market.
The ducks grow and develop peacefully on the farm's three hectares of meadowland.
At 13 weeks, they are force-fed exclusively on whole grain corn.
The next step in preparation takes place in spacious areas under strictly-controlled conditions, to arrive at our outlets in the form of pâtés and ready-cooked dishes, duck terrine with whole foie gras or blocks, rillettes... Bon appétit!

When in Normandy, drink cider!

Le Buhot farm is located near the town of Sées, in a former 15th century priory.
We make our cider from eight varieties of cider-apple.
You are cordially invited to taste our products at the farm.

On sale:
Cider: 2.03€ to 2.45€ per bottle;
Apple juice: 1.70€ ;
Aperitif: 9.15€.

Abbey founded in the 6th century by Saint Evroult.

The abbey was pillaged and rebuilt in the 18th century, then dissolved at the time of the Revolution.
In 1839, the abbey became a major seminary.
The present Neo-Classical chapel dates from this period.
Purchased in 1936 by a national health fund, the Caisse d'Assurance Maladie of the Ile-de-France, the abbey is now used as a physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre.
It is only open for visits on national heritage days (Journées du Patrimoine).

Porcelain and old lace.

The Hôtel du Doyen presents part of the artistic and historical collections of the Musée Baron Gérard (porcelain and Bayeux lace, paintings) in the form of temporary exhibitions.
Admission is free on presentation of the ticket to the Tapestry Museum.

Where silence reigns.

With its church and conventual buildings, the abbey of Saint-Martin forms a fine classical example of the 18th century. Visit the abbey church, the sacristy and the main convent rooms including the extensive library containing 50,000 volumes.

Mediaeval Bayeux.

The ancient historic centre of Bayeux has remained entirely mediaeval in its structure. Completely spared by the Allied bombardments of 1944, it proudly displays an extraordinary architectural heritage.
Solemnly consecrated on 14 July 1077, in the presence of William, Duke of Normandy and King of England, the cathedral underwent further expansion and embellishment from the 13th to the 15th century.

Sainte Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus was baptised here in 1873...

In the heart of the pedestrian zone, the 15th-16th century church of Notre-Dame is astonishing in its proportions, and in the elegance of its Flamboyant Gothic nave and the delicate tracery of sculpture on the porch, described as "dentelle de pierre", lace carved from stone.
Sainte Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus was baptised here in 1873; her baptismal robe is on display in a chapel on the northern side-aisle.
The church also features a magnificent set of 16th century stained glass.

A green monument.

The public park in Bayeux is a 2.6 hectare landscaped site created in 1859 by Eugène Bülher. Of the 400 trees in the park, the most spectacular is undoubtedly the famous "weeping beech", listed as a natural monument in 1932 and designated an "arbre remarquable de France" (a tree of special interest) in 2001.
The park is an integral part of Bayeux's heritage, with a signposted walk and information points providing the keys to an understanding of the gardens and the main plant species found there.

36,000 hectares of unspoilt nature.

The Perche is an ancient French province enjoying something of a revival, and is distinguished by a strong geographical, historical, landscape and architectural identity. The Parc Naturel Régional du Perche, created five years ago, covers 118 communes divided between two départements, the Eure-et-Loir and the Orne. The Perche is characterised by a wide diversity of natural habitats: bocages (a mixture of fields, hedgerows and woodland), pastures, 36,000 hectares of forest, ponds and wetlands, hillsides and moorland supporting over 1,200 plant species and a varied fauna including some thirty species listed as of European interest.
The Perche also enjoys a remarkable architecural heritage: manor houses, splendid farms and picturesque villages. The identity of the Perche is also expressed in its customs, local events, traditional activities and popular arts and crafts.
The Manoir de Courboyer, standing in a 65 hectare landscaped estate, houses the Maison du Parc. The estate is a focal point for tourism and cultural activities, offering a range of events and activities: tours of the manor house, exhibitions, Perche produce stalls, a gastronomy centre, etc.

In praise of "xocoatl".

Chocolate had to journey from the other side of the world to bring its delights to Europe. The Chocolate Museum prides itself on explaining that journey and the history of chocolate from the time of the first cocoa trees, venerated by the Maya, until the arrival of the precious cocoa beans in Europe to be processed and turned into various preparations.
The highlight of the show? Watching, from behind glass windows, the preparation of drakkars, chocolates, mouldings and apples in Calvados.

Shortbread treats.

Created in 1904 by Charles Bansard, Asnelles shortbread continues to perfume the air of the town to this day. The factory also produces other shortbread cakes as well as cookies and financiers (almond cakes), still using traditional craftsman's methods. Visits (by appointment) explain the manufacturing process and production line.

Panorama of the Liberation.

At Arromanches 360, you are at the very heart of things. An outstanding film entitled Le Prix de la Liberté, (The Price of freedom) is projected onto 9 screens in a circular room.
Combining images of the Landings in 1944 and scenes of Normandy today, this 360° cinema will be an unforgettable experience.

In memory of the Allied forces...

This museum is dedicated to the first waves of the assault launched by the pride of the U.S. Army, the famous Big Red One, the 1st Infantry Division. It contains the largest certified authentic collection of unique equipment and uniforms from the Omaha Beach sector, including an extremely rare collection of original caps and badges and personal effects, as well as photo and written archives available for examination on request.

Mature trees providing a home for diverse populations.

The forest, once a "royal forest", is made up of mature oaks and is divided into three massifs occupying the terraces of the Sarthe and the adjoining hills, and became a national forest in 1868.
Granite markers laid in 1875, still to be seen around the edges of the forest, mark the boundaries of its 1,190 hectares.
It provides a refuge for familiar forest animals and birds (deer, wild boar, hares, foxes, magpies, etc.) and the forest ponds are home to an immense variety of pond life.

In honour of British and North American troops.

TheAmerica-Gold Beach Museum consists of two historic platforms: one commemorates the first airmail link between the USA and France by the three-engined Fokker "America" (29 June-1 July 1927).
The second is a retrospective dedicated to the British bridgehead on Gold Beach (6 June 1944). Scale models, dioramas and photographs are on hand to help the visitor gain a better understanding of these two key moments in the history of relations between Britain, the USA and France.

Nature disciplined by reason.

Magnificent in itself, the Château de Brécy can also boast 17th century Italianate gardens magnificently laid out in terraces, culminating in ornamental wrought-iron gates by Isaac Geslin that seem to open onto empty sky.
Numerous sculptures and flower beds framed in embroidery-patterned box borders in the style of Claude Mollet make this a truly unique sight.

Remembering D-Day.

The Omaha D-Day Museum is a place outside of time: it features extraordinary exhibits and equipment that clearly illustrate technological progress in times of war and the repercussions of such progress on normal civilian life. Omaha Beach is marked forever in history as the spearhead of the Allied landings on Tuesday 6 June 1944 at 9,.32 a.m. precisely.

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

Lest we forget.

In chronological order, the museum retraces the different stages in the history of the Second World War, from the exodus to the Liberation.
It stresses the primordial role played by the port of Cherbourg as a supply base for the Allied armies fighting to win back France.
The permanent collection has been reorganised and new displays created: prisoners of war, everyday life under the Occupation, and the victims of genocide. Whether this is your first visit or one of many, the Liberation Museum is well worth your attention.

Truly traditional cuisine…

The Mère Poulard Inn, located on the famed Mont Saint-Michel, is turning 120 this year!

Established in the late 19th century, the inn owes its name to person who orchestrated its foundation and success: Annette Poulard. Annette was only 20 when the Mont, which had become a prison after the French revolution, returned to its normal state as a site of pilgrimage.

In 1888 Annette and her husband decided to open an auberge or inn, a place where pilgrims and visitors could enjoy a healthy meal and a warm bed. Annette was soon known as Mère Poulard ("Mother Poulard"), for "mère" was at the time used to designate exceptionally good cooks. Year by year, visitors would pour in to delight in the 700 or so recipes served by the Auberge, including the now famous Mère Poulard omelette.

Nowadays, years after Annette passed away, the Auberge strives to perpetuate her gastronomical tradition. Some of her recipes found their way into supermarkets, and a number of traditional products (buiscits for example) bear the Mère Poulard label.

3 different ciders.

Drop in and taste 3 very different ciders made in the cider-apple orchards in the Normandy bocage in the centre of this granite-built hamlet (10 min from the Château de Carrouges).
When the current owners took over the farm 15 years ago, they planted 10 different varieties of apple tree.
Taste the ciders and the cider jelly.
John will be more than happy to answer all your questions.